November 26, 2025

“So I take pleasure in weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and in difficulties, for the sake of Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” – 2 Corinthians 12:10

There are two kinds of pain. One kind tells us, “Something is wrong!” and the other kind tells us, “Things are getting better.” For instance, if you break your ankle, you have pain to let you know that something is seriously wrong. However, after you exercise and get very sore, or are recovering from surgery, for instance, you have pain that is simply part of the healing process. This pain lets you know that things are getting better, and you are getting stronger. The first pain is frightening. The second pain is something we can be thankful for, even though it hurts.

Tomorrow, some people will sit down at the Thanksgiving table and be overwhelmed with God’s incredible blessings, while others will sit down at a table filled with the pain of chronic illness, financial strain, family in the hospital, or the loss of a loved one. However, for the one who is in Christ, these pains can all be growth pains. When Christ is working in you for his purposes, you can know that even your difficulties are producing healing and growth. In a very real way, you can be thankful for the pain. So, if you are sitting down to an abundant table filled with blessing, praise God for the good times. But if you are sitting down to a table of tears, know without a doubt that God often does greater work in your trials than he does in your joy. Even pain can be a blessing.

Heavenly Father, today we say, “Thank You!” Thank You for never leaving us or forsaking us. Thank You for incredible joy, great provision, and powerful victories. Thank You for growing pains, refining fires, and the trials that strengthen us. Thank You that every day and every moment, even the most painful ones, have eternal meaning when we live for Your purposes.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Shane Cannon